alendronate sodium trihydrate at a glance
Medicine class
Bisphosphonate that inhibits osteoclast-mediated bone resorption.
Licensed role
Treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis in adults, reducing vertebral and hip fracture risk.
Key administration point
Take after getting up, on an empty stomach with plain water, and remain upright afterwards.
Available forms
Selected products include a conventional tablet, ready-to-drink oral solution and effervescent tablet dissolved in water.
What is alendronate sodium trihydrate used for?
Selected products are licensed for:
Treatment of osteoporosis in adults after the menopause.
Reduction of vertebral and hip fracture risk in this population.
How does alendronate sodium trihydrate work?
Alendronate binds preferentially to bone undergoing active turnover. It inhibits osteoclasts, the cells that remove old bone, slowing bone resorption while bone formation can continue.
alendronate sodium trihydrate preparations and strengths
Effervescent tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 70 mg
Oral solution
Route: Oral
Strengths: 70 mg
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 70 mg
How to take alendronate sodium trihydrate
Follow the instructions for the exact formulation supplied.
Take after getting up, before food, drinks other than plain water, or other oral medicines.
Remain sitting or standing for at least 30 minutes and until after the first food of the day; do not take at bedtime.
Swallow a conventional tablet whole with a full glass of plain water. Do not crush, chew or let it dissolve in the mouth.
Swallow the entire single-use oral-solution bottle, then drink additional plain water. It is unsuitable for people who have difficulty swallowing liquids or are at risk of aspiration.
Dissolve an effervescent tablet completely in plain water, wait until fizzing stops, then drink the solution followed by additional plain water. Do not chew or swallow it undissolved.
alendronate sodium trihydrate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Bone, muscle or joint pain
- Abdominal pain, indigestion, reflux, bloating or wind
- Constipation or diarrhoea
- Headache, dizziness or vertigo
- Joint swelling
- Hair thinning, itching, tiredness or peripheral swelling
Get urgent medical advice
- Oesophagitis, ulceration or narrowing, causing painful or difficult swallowing, chest pain or worsening heartburn
- Severe allergic or serious skin reaction
- Symptomatic low blood calcium
- Osteonecrosis of the jaw or, very rarely, the external ear canal
- Atypical thigh-bone fracture, sometimes preceded by thigh, hip or groin pain
- Gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding
- Inflammation of the eye
alendronate sodium trihydrate in pregnancy
Alendronic acid is not usually recommended during pregnancy because human safety information is limited and bisphosphonates remain stored in bone for years. Anyone planning a pregnancy, or who becomes pregnant during or after treatment, should discuss exposure and alternatives with their specialist or prescriber.
alendronate sodium trihydrate while breastfeeding
Selected product information advises against use while breastfeeding because transfer into milk is unknown and risk to the infant cannot be excluded. NHS guidance notes infant exposure is expected to be low and use may sometimes be acceptable after individual assessment; discuss this with a doctor or pharmacist.
alendronate sodium trihydrate interactions
Food, drinks and several oral products can reduce absorption; some medicines can increase particular adverse-effect risks.
Calcium, iron, magnesium or zinc supplements and multivitamins
Taking them at the same time can reduce absorption; separate them according to product instructions.
Antacids and magnesium-containing laxatives
They can interfere with absorption and should not be taken at the same time.
Common questions about alendronate sodium trihydrate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Why must alendronic acid be taken on an empty stomach?
Food, mineral water and many other drinks or oral products greatly reduce its already low absorption.
Can I take alendronic acid with coffee, milk or mineral water?
No. Use plain water only; coffee, milk, juice and still or sparkling mineral water reduce absorption.
Why must I remain upright after taking alendronic acid?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.